Call of Duty has evolved over the years, and with the most recent release going to be Modern Warfare 3, we’re also going to be witnessing the return of the beloved zombies mode.
However, zombies is not what long-time fans of the series remember it once being, as with the transition to the open-world style, fans are reminiscing about some of the iconic maps we’ve played in the past.
This is why we’re going to breakdown all the best Call of Duty zombie maps below!
The Best Call of Duty Zombies Maps Ranked
There’s also been a debate about which zombies maps are superior to others, and fans of COD have been going back and forth on this topic for numerous years. So, we thought we’d join in on the discussion and breakdown what we think is the correct order for COD zombies maps.
10. Nacht Der Untoten – Call of Duty World At War
The map that started it all back during World At War is one that sticks throughout fans memories over the years, and it would feel disloyal to the franchise not to include this map on our top ten list.
While Nacht Der Untoten is a simple concept when playing it, the memories and nostalgia that it holds within our hearts are too much to ignore for us. However, we are aware the map itself does not hold up to other ones on this list, but we think there’s no better way to kick off our list.
9. Ascension – Call of Duy Black Ops
Call of Duty Black Ops arguably produced the greatest collection of zombies maps within the franchise, and you’ll notice that Ascension is not the only entry on our list.
The first DLC map for Black Ops offered unique premises of the rocket launching mechanic, which enabled players to unlock Pack-A-Punch by using the lunar landers throughout certain points on the map, to eventually coincide with the door being opened to upgrade your weapons.
While the map does perform fantastic on its own, it simply cannot hold up against other maps we’ve seen from Black Ops.
8. Zombies In Spaceland – Call of Duty Infinite Warfare
Many fans remember Infinite Warfare for other reasons, such as being another Call of Duty to feature jetpacks, but Zombies in Spaceland has resonated with fans over the years, largely due to the atmosphere and mechanics used within.
The aspect of using the amusement park rides throughout the map to help fend off the horde, was something that was commonly praised during a time when fans were missing Treyarch zombies maps. Zombies in Spaceland was a solid first entry into zombie maps for Infinity Ward, and one that players thoroughly enjoyed looking back upon.
7. Der Eisendrache – Call of Duty Black Ops 3
Der Eisendrache and Der Reise are two maps that are thrown back and forth on players rankings, and there’s a lot to love between the two iconic maps; however, Der Eisendrache lands at the seventh spot on our list.
The first main entry in the Black Ops 3 saga for zombies is one that is rather memorable for players, as it was the continuation of the story after Origins, and the first zombies map to use the advanced movement mechanics within Black Ops 3.
With all this said, it’s a lovely map that has gotten high praise from fans over recent times.
6. Shadows Of Evil – Call of Duty Black Ops 3
Coming in next on our list was one of the premier maps during Call of Duty Black Ops 3, and this of course, is the underworld of Shadows of Evil. This map was beloved by many fans, as it was the launch zombies map for the release of Black Ops 3, and with it came a whole new array of mechanics.
Players had to get adjusted to the new pack-a-punch system quickly, and the map also introduced some extra content towards the end of the map, as it was a nice refresher for players just getting back into the game mode.
5. Moon – Call of Duty Black Ops
One of the last maps players got to play during Call of Duty Black Ops was Moon, as it was added during the DLC pack that also remastered all the zombie maps from World at War. With this said, many players flocked to Moon over playing the original maps, mainly due to the wide array of unique mechanics, we’ve only seen on Moon.
Having to use the PES suit is a challenge in itself, as you’ll be running around the map to try and get power on so you aren’t hindered by this suit; alongside the dangerous layout for the pack-a-punch machine, cement Moon towards the top half of our list.
4. Der Riese – Call of Duty World at War
The final map introduced during Call of Duty World at War, is viewed by many as the best original map and has since seen some remasters come in later titles.
Der Riese, or nicknamed as The Giant was the first map in the series to implement the gimmick mechanics that players have become accustomed to, in order to unlock certain perks and the pack-a-punch system. Players would have to link all three teleporters, combined with turning the power on in order to access these power-ups, and it was a fantastic experience back in the day.
3. Kino Der Toten – Call of Duty Black Ops
The first map in Call of Duty Black Ops, is perhaps the most memorable for some, as it was the first zombies map to truly go above and beyond for players with a thrilling environment and atmosphere.
The theatre setting was one that player adored, with many angles and positions to hold down for countless rounds, combined alongside the teleporter to the pack-a-punch made it all more terrifying once you got into the later rounds on this map.
All in all, Kino Der Toten is a map we hope to see return one day, as fans from this era of zombies hold this map near and dear to their hearts.
2. Mob of The Dead – Call of Duty Black Ops 2
Whether or not we had Mob of the Dead at the number one spot on our list was always going to be a high-octane discussion, as it is truly one of the best zombies maps we’ve ever witnessed; and for good reason.
The unique setting of breaking out of Alcatraz, playing as the characters of Ray Liotta, Chazz Palminteri, Joe Pantoliano, and Michael Madsen; combined with one of the best easter eggs in the series is pure joy. Another aspect of Mob of The Dead that players will forever remember is the Afterlife mechanic, allowing players to still help out the team, even if they are knocked down.
A true masterpiece, which we highly recommend players go back and experience if they have the opportunity too.
1. Origins – Call of Duty Black Ops 2
While Mob of The Dead is fantastic in every way, Origins, the finale of the Black Ops 2 saga of zombies maps, along with the return of the original cast of characters; Dempsey, Nikolai, Takeo, and Richtofen.
During this map, players are going to be tasked with navigating the trenches, all while setting up the map for the vital easter egg, where players will get to use the power of elemental forces, if they can successfully build the weapons.
All in all, we find no better map to crown the best Call of Duty zombies map, and it rounds out our list, as the map in itself is complete in every aspect.
